Laurentia: A Glacier, A Flower, And A Really Amazing Winery

Updated: Nov 26, 2018

Cheers from Gadabout Gal Michele!

During our Wine and Waterfalls vacation this Fall I wanted to make sure that a visit to one of my favorite wineries was on the agenda. Visiting my parents in northeast Ohio, I have visited Laurentia because it not only has delicious wines, but when you pull up to the grand entrance and then walk inside the front doors it feels as if you'e been transported to somewhere far away. The owners say it was inspired by their Colorado cabin and with its grand four-sided stone fireplace, large rustic chandeliers and dark wood you can understand. But I also see hints of Texas where one of the brothers resides. In fact, he lives not too far from Gadabout Gal Tiffany. Small world!

During our visit we were treated to a personalized tour from Chris and Whitney. They showed us everything! Laurentia opened their grand doors in 2013 and there was a lot to see! We started in the basement where the wine cellar, including an impressive wine library, is located. The intimate setting has views of their oak barrels and unique concrete tanks, a tasting bar and the most fabulous custom designed table. The cellar can be enjoyed by customers or rented out for private parties. Trust us when we say a private party held there is definitely one that would be remembered! Take a look for yourself from our photos.

After the cellar we went outside into the vineyard. There Chris explained their grape varieties. Laurentia's 43 acres of vineyards are composed mainly of Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Gewurztraminer. Their first vines, Chardonnay and Riesling, were planted just 5 miles off site of the winery in 2011. Over the next few years, plantings continued. In June 2015, they planted another 10 acres and expanded again with additional acreage in 2016. They also added more Cabernet Sauvignon plants to their Stoltz Road vineyard in 2018. They also shared the grapes in Susan's vineyard. She's the late wife of one of the owners and her memory and ideas can be found throughout the vineyard and winery. A very beautiful tribute!

In this brief video clip, Chris shares how use fans in the colder months to protect the vines by blowing warm air down onto the crop.

After our tour, we stepped back inside and grabbed the best seat in the house. We ordered a bottle of wine and were treated to some great music by Nick Zuber. Such a fabulous time!

We would definitely recommend this for your Ohio winery agenda! It is voted one of the best of the best!

Laurentia is located at 4599 S. Madison Road, Madison, Ohio 44057

Current Winery Hours:

Sunday through Thursday: 12pm-8pm

Friday and Saturday: 12pm – 9pm

(Kitchen closes one hour prior)

Be sure to follow them on Instagram for some great photos and stories: @Laurentiawinery

Laurentia, the ancient land mass of North America, was once covered by a thick layer of ice. The glacier traveled south from Canada into Ohio and as it slowly retreated, deposited a geologic bounty forming Ohio’s Grand River Region. Laurentia is also the name of a small star shaped flower similar to Creeping Phlox.